Oliver Jennings Smith, Jr. (aka O.J., Junior, Shorty) age 86, died of pneumonia on November 3rd, 2020, in Mobile, Alabama. He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie Williams Smith; and his son Oliver Jennings Smith III (aka Skipper, Skip).
He is preceded in death by his Mother Mattie Eva Fillingim Smith; his Father Oliver Jennings Smith Sr.; his Stepmother Ollie Mae Smith; his Brother Charles Austen Smith (aka Billy); his Sisters Josephine Smith; Ollie Kilpatrick and Helen Jones.
He was born on December 28th, 1934 in Prichard, Alabama, to parents Oliver, Sr. and Mattie. He attended Vigor High School. He served in the Army National Guard. In his younger days, he was a popular lead guitarist and even in his final days he liked to strum on his banjo. He accumulated a considerable collection of racing trophies for his efforts as both a driver and owner of a boat raced in local events. He was highly sought as a house painting contractor and he was an avid fisherman in the Mobile Delta and Bay and on the Gulf of Mexico.
He enjoyed watching western movies, The Waltons, and live sporting events. He also enjoyed using his riding mower to care for not only his own yard but also those of his neighbors. He spent considerable time in his garage maintaining his collection of power equipment and yard tools. His family and friends will always remember him as kind-hearted, caring, fun-loving and devoted.
He was a member of Wilson Avenue Baptist Church for over fifty years. Among the last words he spoke before leaving home for the last time were “I’ll be with Jesus”.
A Visitation will be held Sunday, November 8th, 2020 from 4:00 to 6:00pm at Radney Funeral Home in Saraland. There will be a second Visitation at Wilson Avenue Baptist Church in Saraland from 10:00 to 11:00am on Monday, November 9th, 2020 followed by a funeral service at 11:00. Reverend George Williams will officiate. The internment will take place at Gulf Crest Cemetery in Chunchula immediately following the funeral service.
